Thujopsis dolobrata Solar Flare - Hiba

The Thujopsis dolobrata 'Solar Flare' is a brand new miniature form of a large Japanese conifer called Hiba or asunaro. Similar to the Thuja, it forms, over time, a spreading cushion that will not exceed half a metre in all directions. This peculiar conifer develops branchlets covered with flattened scales that somewhat resemble the fronds of certain ferns. The uniqueness of this variety lies in the coloration of its foliage, which takes on different shades of yellow as it ages, ranging from pure gold to a very soft yellow. It has a very slow growth rate and extremely reduced size, making it ideal for moist rockeries, beautiful pots on terraces, or near water features in humus-rich soil.

The Thujopsis dolobrata is the only representative of its genus related to thuja and belonging to the cypress family. It is a large evergreen conifer native to the humid forests of central and southern Japan. In its natural habitat, this tree can reach heights of up to 40 metres (131 feet) with a spread of 10 metres (33 feet), and it is covered in reddish-brown bark that peels off in vertical strips. It has a pyramidal and dense habit, with multiple tops and flat branches that droop to the ground. It is a very hardy species, well adapted to cool temperate climates and moist, non-calcareous soils. Its wood is durable and pleasantly fragrant, similar to that of Thuja plicata. In Thujopsis, the cones are ovoid and small (15 mm (<1in) long by 10 mm (<1in) in diameter), covered with 6 to 12 scales that are themselves covered in a violet-white wax when young. This conifer has given rise to a few cultivars that have been selected for their reduced growth and ornamental qualities.

The recently introduced cultivar 'Solar Flare' stands out for its extremely reduced size, its cushion-like habit, and its remarkable foliage, with changing colours. Its growth rate is very slow, so it will reach a height of 30 cm (12in) and a spread of 50 cm (20in) at the age of 30. When crushed, this conifer releases an aromatic fragrance and its flattened branches, seemingly braided, are covered in fleshy scale-like leaves that measure 3 mm (1in) in length. The diamond-shaped leaves interlock, giving the branches a flat appearance, but thicker than that of the thuja. The foliage starts off as a tender green and gradually changes to various shades of yellow, from light yellow to the brightest yellow.

The 'Solar Flare' Japanese thuja is a plant that thrives in moist, non-calcareous soil. It naturally fits into small gardens, moist rockeries, or planted as a waterside border. It can also be planted in a beautiful container on a terrace or balcony, as long as it is regularly watered with non-calcareous water. It pairs well with large stones bordering a small waterfall, ferns, astilbes, primroses, Farfugium, and other plants that prefer moist but sunny locations.

The true graphic qualities of conifers naturally come to the fore in the design of a contemporary garden that values the aesthetics of shapes, silhouettes, and textures over the fleeting beauty of flowers. These plants, with their reassuring permanence, create lasting structure in borders, mark pathways, and border terraces, easily replacing the strong presence of trimmed boxwood or holly. The key is to play with volumes and colors.